The 2016 Acura MDX is a luxury crossover SUV that offers seating for seven. Well-equipped, it comes with 18” premium alloy wheels, automated LED headlamps, heated and powered side mirrors, powered rear lift gate, sunroof, privacy glass in the rear, remote entry/start, powered and heated front seats, triple-zone climate control, premium leather upholstery, tilting and telescoping steering wheel, dual dashboard displays with 7” and 8” touchscreen consoles, Bluetooth/USB/iPod integration and premium audio system. Upgrades can add a collision mitigation system, upgraded 10-speaker sound system, larger touchscreen consoles, larger 19” wheels, 110-volt electric outlet, roof rails, parking sensors in front and rear, upgraded leather interior and more. Driving the MDX is a 3.5-liter V6 engine that’s rated at 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque.
2016 model year changes
The Acura MDX hits 2016 with a new standard 9-speed automatic transmission with push-button gear selection. Acura claims the ZF unit is 66 pounds lighter than the 6-speed it replaces. Acura has revised the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system (SH-AWD) as well, with a twin-clutch rear differential. A multi-view rear camera is new, as is AcuraWatch Plus, a suite of active safety features that includes collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning. While AcuraWatch was previously available as part of the Advance Package, the new group is available on all MDX trims.
Competitive comparison
Attractive styling; improved fuel efficiency; room for seven; advanced technology; available all-wheel drive
Special features for 2016
The Acura MDX seems to grow in popularity every year, and the third-generation model is no exception. Acura's mid-size luxury SUV is easy to love and even easier to live with. Three rows of seats make carpooling a breeze, while increased cargo space behind the second row of seats makes carting around a weekend project's worth of gardening supplies a snap. For those who don't need Acura's excellent Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, front-wheel-drive availability makes the MDX a bit easier on the wallet. Like all Acuras, the MDX is loaded with plenty of excellent, useful technology to enhance entertainment, comfort and safety in equal measures.
